The Music Performance Program

The Department of Music offers both a bachelor of arts in music performance, and a concentration in sacred music performance. Only the students who show the most artistic and musical promise will be admitted to the music performance program. The music performance major is a select major and is restricted to the following instruments: organ, piano, voice. Only the best students who are single-mindedly resolute to become a professional musician should audition for this major.
All music performance majors are required to demonstrate piano proficiency before graduation. In addition, all music performance majors are expected to participate in an ensemble each semester.

What Can I Do With a Major in Music Performance?

Students obtaining a degree in music performance are prepared for a career as a professional artist in their instrument of study. Those who desire to advance in their field are encouraged to continue their musical training by pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree.

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Results

The graduate with a degree in music performance is prepared for a career in the performance field specific to his or her instrument of study, with a knowledge of music theory, history and aural skills that will increase the level of their performance and enhance their contribution to ensembles, as well as an understanding of the etiquette and professional standards required for a career in music. 
Curriculummusic-performance-curriculum
Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Performance

Music Performance Major Requirements (67-69 credits) 

Required each semester (32 credits):
MU 090 Recital Attendance - 0 credit
MU 425 Primary Instrument Lessons for Performance Majors
(4 credits for eight semesters or a total of 32 credits)
Required courses (27 credits):
MU 108 Music History and Literature: Baroque and Classical Periods - 3 credits
MU 109 Music History and Literature: Romantic and Contemporary Periods - 3 credits
MU 115 Fundamentals of Music Theory - 3 credits
MU 205 Sight Singing, Ear Training and Solfeggio I - 3 credits
MU 206 Sight Singing, Ear Training and Solfeggio II - 3 credits
MU 208 Harmony I - 3 credits
MU 209 Harmony II - 3 credits
MU 220 Form and Analysis - 3 credits
MU 330 Junior Recital - 1 credit
MU 430 Senior Recital - 2 credits
Any combination of ensembles selected from (8 credits):
MU 171 Marching Band - 1 credit
MU 175 Instrumental Ensemble - 1 credit
MU 180 Saint Vincent College Singers - 1 credit
MU 181 Musical Theater Workshop - 1 credit
MU 182 Opera Workshop - 1 credit
MU 185 Saint Vincent Camerata - 1 credit
Additional requirements for voice majors (2 credits):
MU 317 Diction for Singers: Italian, Spanish and Latin - 1 credit
MU 318 Diction for Singers: English, German and French - 1 credit

Music Performance Major - Concentration in Sacred Music (72 credits)
* indicates courses specific to Sacred Music Concentration  

Required each semester (36 credits):
MU 090 Recital Attendance - 0 credit
*MU 280 Supervised Sacred Music Practicum (.5 credits per semester) - 4 credits
*MU 425 Primary Instrument for Performance Majors (4 credits for eight semesters or a total of 32 credits
An approved combination of: Voice, Organ, Sacred Music Composition, Gregorian Chant or other specific courses related to the Concentration.

Required courses (26 credits):
MU 108 Music History: Baroque and Classical Periods - 3 credits
MU 109 Music History: Romantic and Contemporary Periods - 3 credits
MU 115 Fundamentals of Music Theory - 3 credits
MU 205 Sight Singing, Ear Training and Solfeggio I - 3 credits
MU 206 Sight Singing, Ear Training and Solfeggio II - 3 credits
MU 208 Harmony I - 3 credits MU 209 Harmony II - 3 credits
MU 220 Form and Analysis - 3 credits
MU 430 Senior Recital/Senior Project - 2 credits Ensemble (8 credits):
*MU 185 Saint Vincent Camerata (and Camerata Scholars) - 1 credit

Additional Courses recommended (core curriculum requirements)
One or two of the following:
EM 725: Sacramental Theology and Liturgy - 3 credits
TH 325 Vatican II History and Theology - 3 credits
TH 330 Catholic Sacraments - 3 credits
TH 345 Christian Spirituality - 3 credits
LT 101, 102 Elementary Latin I and II - 6 credits
LT 203, 204 Intermediate Latin I and II - 6 credits
Prerequisitesmusic-performance-prerequisites
Prerequisites

Students must successfully pass an audition to be admitted to this major. Please contact the department chair to schedule an audition and receive audition guidelines. The Music Performance Major is a select major and is restricted to the following instruments: organ, piano, voice. Only the best students who are single-mindedly resolute to become a professional musician should audition for this major. 
Saint Vincent College Singersmusic-perf-svc-singers
Saint Vincent College Singers

Thomas Octave and SVC SingersThe Saint Vincent College Singers is a small ensemble that provides students with the experience of singing in an ensemble that explores the various genres of vocal music throughout all periods. The Singers are comprised of music majors and minors and non-music majors. Directed by Thomas Octave, associate professor and Chair of music, the ensemble performs concerts and provides music at special events as well as Commencement and community Masses.
Internships and Careers in Music Performance

Students who complete the Music Performance program may be employed or continue their education as:

  • Music organization managers
  • Church musicians
  • Private music teachers
  • Music performers and directors
  • Retail music
  • Recording studios and other music-related fields
  • Graduate school students
  • Student Learning Outcomes

    Students will:

    • analyze the musical styles of the Western tradition and at least one style from the non-Western traditions.
    • apply vocabulary related to performing and composing music.
    • play the piano proficiently and play the piano, organ or another instrument, including voice, at the advanced level.
    • apply standards of performance and portfolio development.